How we select studs
Selecting stallions to cover our mares is not a quick process.
It’s not a case of just finding an available stallion of the ideal height and that’s it, the decision is made. In fact, our process is fairly lengthy and our criteria is high. This page covers what we look for, look at, and check carefully:
The core requirements:
These elements are the 4 pillars that inform our decisions.
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We check the health of potential studs and look at things like genetic testing, soundness, existing offspring success and semen quality before enquiring.
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Conformation of the stud is vital. We’re looking at our own mares and honestly assessing their strengths and weaknesses, aiming to pair them with a stud that compliments their strengths and does not have the same weaknesses. For example, Velia has a narrower neck, so a stud for her should have a strong well set neck of good length.
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The paces of the stud are watched carefully in walk, trot and canter. A flashy trot is not essential, as it is an improvable pace, but the walk and canter must be strong, loose and have good ground cover. Natural balance is checked and is something we strive to include in our lines.
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The offspring we aim to produce must be nice people! Although a bit of sparkle is appreciated, we don’t want liabilities on our own yard, and we definitely wouldn’t want to impart them on future owners. A kind and honest temperament is bred-in, and that’s what we’re looking for in the sire too.
Other elements we consider:
Pedigree
Although an illustrious pedigree is ideal, that’s not what we’re looking for. We check the generations for blood and lines to ensure the studs lineage is one we want to continue ourselves.
Progeny
Any existing offspring will be checked to see whether they’re excelling in any disciplines, but also to see how they’re holding up in their current homes.
Achievements
Our horses are bred to do jobs, and we like to see that their parents can do those jobs too. Even if the stallion is not competing at a high level, the potential to do so in a ridden setting is checked carefully.
Location
We’re in Scotland, and we’ll travel to any UK address for the right stud, but if we’re looking overseas, semen must be shipped. If chilled or frozen semen is not available, we would have to discount the stud.
Media
Great photography and videography of stallions that we cannot meet in person is vital. Stud owners should get professional images of conformation stands and clean videos of paces, including transitions, to help make decisions.
Communication
If we cannot get in touch with the potential stallion owner or stud, we cannot move forward. It seems simple, but the amount of unanswered enquiries we’ve made is crazy! It’s a no brainer.
